Popeyes offers a lineup of bold, Southern-style sides: Cajun Fries, Homestyle Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy, Red Beans & Rice, Coleslaw, and Buttermilk Biscuits, with some locations also carrying green beans, corn on the cob, and whole jalapeño peppers. Most sides come in regular and large sizes and are available à la carte, so you can mix and match to round out any chicken or seafood meal.
Here’s the full Popeyes sides menu with typical prices, what each one tastes like, and which sides fit different diets.
What Sides Does Popeyes Have?
Here’s the core sides menu with approximate regular-size prices. Note that Popeyes is franchise-operated, so prices vary by location and size — and app deals are often cheaper.
| Side | Typical Price (Regular) |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk Biscuit (single) | ~$1.29 – $1.99 |
| Coleslaw | ~$1.99 – $2.99 |
| Cajun Fries | ~$2.19 – $4.29 |
| Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy | ~$2.39 – $4.29 |
| Red Beans & Rice | ~$2.69 – $4.29 |
| Homestyle Mac & Cheese | ~$3.99 – $5.39 |
Prices shown are approximate ranges across locations — always check the app or your local store for exact current pricing.
Cajun Fries
Popeyes’ signature fries are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and dusted with a bold Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne). They’re consistently rated among the best fries in fast food and pair perfectly with sandwiches, tenders, and wings. Best enjoyed hot, when the spice really comes through.
Homestyle Mac & Cheese
Yes, Popeyes has mac and cheese. The Homestyle Mac & Cheese is made with elbow pasta in a creamy cheddar cheese blend with butter, baked until rich and golden. Is it good? Fans love it as a comforting, indulgent pick — it’s one of the most popular creamy sides on the menu, delivering both cheesy richness and a bit of protein.
Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy
Yes, Popeyes has mashed potatoes — and they’re a nationwide favorite. Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are topped with Popeyes’ iconic Cajun gravy, which adds a savory, mildly spicy depth with hints of garlic and onion. Note that the gravy contains pork, so if you avoid pork, order the mashed potatoes plain (see which sides contain pork for details).
Red Beans & Rice
A timeless Louisiana classic: kidney beans slow-cooked with smoky seasoning and served over fluffy rice. It’s hearty, soulful, and one of the most beloved sides Popeyes makes. Keep in mind the traditional U.S. recipe is typically made with pork, so it isn’t vegetarian. Want to make it at home? See our copycat Popeyes red beans and rice recipe.
Coleslaw
Popeyes’ coleslaw is a crunchy, creamy-sweet mix of cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing — a refreshing, cooling contrast to the spicy fried chicken. It’s also one of the lighter, vegetarian-friendly options on the menu.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Soft, flaky, and buttery, Popeyes’ biscuits are a fan favorite in their own right. At roughly $1.29–$1.99 each (with multi-packs available), they’re the most budget-friendly side and a must-have alongside any meal.
Other & Regional Sides
Depending on your location, you may also find:
- Green Beans — one of the lightest options, great for calorie-conscious diners.
- Corn on the Cob — a simple, classic add-on.
- Whole Jalapeño Peppers — served whole for heat lovers to bite into or chop over other items.
Availability of these varies by store and country.
Popeyes Side Sizes & Prices
Most Popeyes sides come in multiple portion sizes:
- Regular — serves 1–2 people; the standard combo size.
- Large — serves 2–3; ideal for sharing.
- Family — serves 4+ at some locations; best value for groups.
Biscuits are also sold in multi-packs (such as 6-piece boxes). Because pricing varies by location and changes over time, the app is the best place to find current prices and deals. For the bigger picture, see the full Popeyes menu with prices.
Best Popeyes Sides
If you’re not sure what to order, these are the crowd favorites:
- Cajun Fries — the iconic, can’t-go-wrong pick.
- Buttermilk Biscuits — buttery, flaky, and cheap.
- Red Beans & Rice — the soulful Louisiana standout.
- Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy — ultimate comfort food.
- Homestyle Mac & Cheese — creamy and indulgent.
A classic combo is fries plus a biscuit, but a Cajun-leaning order of red beans and rice with mashed potatoes really leans into Popeyes’ Louisiana roots.
Vegetarian & Dietary Notes for Popeyes Sides
A quick guide for different diets (always confirm with the allergen guide, since recipes vary):
- Vegetarian-friendly: Coleslaw, mashed potatoes without gravy, green beans, and biscuits.
- Contains pork: Red Beans & Rice and the Cajun gravy — so avoid these (and mashed potatoes with gravy) if you don’t eat pork. More detail in which sides contain pork.
- Common allergens: Wheat (fries coating, biscuits, mac), milk (mac, mashed, biscuits, corn), egg and soy (coleslaw, gravy). Shared fryers create cross-contact risk.
Picking Your Popeyes Sides
To recap the essentials:
- Core sides: Cajun Fries, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Red Beans & Rice, Coleslaw, Biscuits.
- Most come in regular, large, and sometimes family sizes, available à la carte.
- Prices vary by location — check the app for current pricing and deals.
- Pork note: red beans and the gravy contain pork; coleslaw and plain mashed potatoes are safer meat-free picks.
Whatever you pair them with, Popeyes’ sides are widely praised as some of the best value in fast food. For your full order, browse the full Popeyes menu with prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides does Popeyes have?
Popeyes offers Cajun Fries, Homestyle Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy, Red Beans & Rice, Coleslaw, and Buttermilk Biscuits, plus green beans, corn, and jalapeños at some locations.
Does Popeyes have mac and cheese?
Yes. The Homestyle Mac & Cheese is a creamy, baked cheddar mac that’s one of Popeyes’ most popular comfort-food sides.
Does Popeyes have mashed potatoes?
Yes. Popeyes serves buttery mashed potatoes topped with Cajun gravy. The gravy contains pork, so order them plain if you avoid pork.
Does Popeyes have coleslaw?
Yes. Popeyes coleslaw is a crunchy, creamy-sweet side that’s a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option and a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
Does Popeyes gravy have pork?
Yes. Popeyes’ Cajun gravy contains pork (along with other meats), so it isn’t pork-free or vegetarian.
Which Popeyes sides are the best?
Cajun Fries and biscuits are the all-time favorites, while Red Beans & Rice and Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy are top picks for Louisiana flavor.
